Rock Cartwright jumps to 49ers from Raiders

Published 4:00 am, Friday, March 16, 2012

Two days after special-teams star Blake Costanzosigned with the Bears, the 49ers signed his replacement Thursday in 10-year veteran Rock Cartwright, the NFL Network reported.

Cartwright, 32, who spent the past two years with the Raiders, possesses the versatility Costanzo lacked. At 5-foot-7, 223 pounds, he can be a short-yardage running back and has extensive experience returning kickoffs. He collected a combined 27 special-teams tackles the past two seasons.

In a career spent with the Redskins and Raiders, Cartwright has 228 carries for 956 yards and six rushing touchdowns. He also has 64 receptions for 589 yards and two touchdowns. In his two-year stint with the Raiders, his offensive duties were limited: he had 13 carries and five receptions.

Niners general manager Trent Baalkewas a national scout with the Redskins when Washington selected Cartwright in the seventh round of the 2002 draft.

Spencer released: In a long-expected move, the 49ers released cornerback Shawntae Spencer, ending their relationship with one of the franchise's longest-tenured players.

Spencer, 30, was scheduled to earn a base salary of $3.3 million this season. He started all 32 games in 2009-10, but became largely a spectator last year. He had hamstring and toe injuries, slipped down the depth chart and played just 87 defensive snaps in nine games.

Spencer was a second-round pick in 2004. Only 11-year veteran long snapper Brian Jenningshad more tenure than Spencer. Nose tackle Isaac Sopoagaand punter Andy Leewere also part of the '04 draft class.

Ginn craves more catches: Free-agent wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., one of the NFL's best kick returners, told the Detroit Free Press he wants "to be known as a receiver," an indication he won't return to San Francisco in 2012.

Ginn, who had 94 receptions in 2008-09 with the Dolphins, had just 31 the past two seasons with the 49ers. Ginn was in Detroit for a free-agent visit.

Manningham visits: Giants free-agent wide receiver Mario Manninghamvisited the 49ers, but did not sign a contract. He is scheduled to visit the Rams this week, according to Yahoo Sports, and the Bills and Dolphins are reportedly interested.